Nashville Restaurant Radio

New Light Hospitality
  • 4.4 (35)
  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

This is a podcast made for and about the people of the Nashville Restaurant community. Our goal is to gain others perspectives and learn from their experiences. Listen for interviews with Chefs, Restauranteurs, authors, industry leaders, and much more! This is not a podcast where we talk about food, we talk about food people.

  1. Eric Schell and Drew Strohm- One Tap

    Jun 14

    Eric Schell and Drew Strohm- One Tap

    Every restaurant operator knows the feeling: something breaks, a vendor doesn't show up, an invoice looks wrong, and suddenly you're spending hours managing maintenance instead of managing your business. In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Eric Schell and Drew Strohm from OneTap to discuss how they're working to simplify one of the most frustrating parts of restaurant operations. Eric and Drew share the story behind OneTap, how the platform was built, and why they believe the maintenance industry is overdue for innovation. We dive into the challenges restaurant owners face when coordinating repairs, managing service providers, controlling costs, and maintaining accountability across multiple locations. The conversation goes beyond technology and into entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and what it takes to build solutions that genuinely solve problems for operators. Whether you oversee one location or a multi-unit brand, this episode offers valuable insight into how smarter systems and better processes can free up time, reduce headaches, and allow hospitality professionals to focus on what matters most: serving guests. If you've ever been frustrated by maintenance issues, vendor communication, or the endless chase to get things fixed, this episode is for you.

    1h 23m
  2. LIVE at Tennessee Flavors

    Jun 14

    LIVE at Tennessee Flavors

    Live from Tennessee Flavors: Supporting the Future of Hospitality In this special live episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we broadcast from Tennessee Flavors, the annual fundraiser benefiting Nashville State Community College's Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts. The event brings together some of the best chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders in Tennessee, all united behind a common goal: investing in the next generation of culinary talent. Joining the show is Nick Guidry, former owner of Pelican & Pig and now Director of Culinary for A. Marshall Hospitality. Nick shares insights from his transition from independent restaurateur to leading culinary operations for one of Tennessee's most respected restaurant groups, while discussing the importance of mentorship and developing future industry leaders. We also sit down with Marcio and Cynthia Flores, the husband-and-wife team behind Limo Peruvian Eatery. The Flores family shares their entrepreneurial journey, the growth of their restaurants, and their passion for bringing authentic Peruvian cuisine to Middle Tennessee while building a business rooted in family and community. Rounding out the episode is Ric Ewing, restaurateur and candidate for Tennessee State Representative. Ric discusses his background in hospitality, why he believes business owners need a stronger voice in government, and how his experience as a Board member at Nashville State has given him perspective From culinary education and entrepreneurship to leadership and community impact, this episode captures the spirit of Tennessee Flavors and the people working to strengthen the future of hospitality across our state.

    1h 5m
  3. Bill Miller- CEO/ Icon Entertainment

    May 30

    Bill Miller- CEO/ Icon Entertainment

    What makes an experience unforgettable? In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Bill Miller, CEO of Icon Entertainment, for a conversation that goes far beyond venues, concerts, and business. Bill shares incredible stories from his career, including memorable moments with Johnny Cash, while revealing the philosophy that has guided his life’s work: creating experiences that bring people joy. From legendary entertainers to everyday guests, Bill explains why the most successful hospitality and entertainment leaders understand that people aren’t just buying products or services—they’re seeking connection, memories, and moments that matter. Throughout the conversation, Bill reflects on leadership, purpose, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with creating spaces where people gather. His passion for making others feel seen, welcomed, and inspired shines through in every story. Whether you’re a restaurant operator, hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a great experience, this episode is packed with wisdom from a leader who has spent a lifetime creating moments people never forget. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about joy, hospitality, leadership, and the stories that shape us.

    1h 30m
  4. Billy Dec- Documentary Film Maker/ Owner- Sunda

    May 22

    Billy Dec- Documentary Film Maker/ Owner- Sunda

    In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Billy Deck, founder of Sunda and host/star of the PBS documentary Food Roots. Billy shares the deeply personal story behind the film, his Filipino-American upbringing, and the journey back to the Philippines that helped him reconnect with family, heritage, grief, identity, and purpose. The conversation moves through hospitality, Nashville’s evolution, Gen Z labor challenges, building restaurant culture, and why true hospitality starts with care. Billy also opens up about success, loss, mental health, the pressure of performing strength, and the power of documenting personal stories so they can help others. This episode is a reminder that restaurants are about far more than what is on the plate. They are about connection, memory, ancestry, healing, and making people feel seen. Topics include: Billy’s journey from Chicago to Nashville The story behind Sunda His PBS documentary Food Roots Reconnecting with Filipino heritage Food as a language of love Labor and culture challenges in hospitality Nashville’s growth and changing identity Mental health, grief, and vulnerability Why every family has a story worth preserving Watch Food Roots on Billy’s YouTube channel: @billybecklife

    1h 20m
  5. Austin Smith- COO- Honkey Tonk Party Ventures

    May 15

    Austin Smith- COO- Honkey Tonk Party Ventures

    This all-new episode features Austin Smith, COO of Honky Tonk Party Ventures and founder of Party Fowl Hot Chicken. Whatever your opinion is on Nashville’s transportainment industry, Austin pulls back the curtain and explains how it really works. He also opens up about what actually happened with Party Fowl, shares stories from his friendship with Brandon, talks about playing softball with Shaquille O’Neal, and gives us a look inside everything Honky Tonk Party Ventures is building. From party buses to a freestanding bar to a hat bar and more, Austin and his team are doing some incredibly creative things in Nashville. If you’ve ever been curious about the transportainment industry, this conversation may challenge what you thought you knew.

    1h 41m
  6. Josef Gutzmirtl- Owner- Beyond the Edge, Boston Common, and Drifters BBQ

    May 7

    Josef Gutzmirtl- Owner- Beyond the Edge, Boston Common, and Drifters BBQ

    In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Josef Gutzmirtl, a longtime Nashville operator with more than three decades in the restaurant business. Josef shares the journey behind building and sustaining beloved neighborhood staples like Boston Commons, Beyond the Edge, and Drifters BBQ through economic shifts, natural disasters, staffing shortages, and the ever-changing Nashville dining scene. The conversation dives deep into what independent operators are facing right now — rising food costs, labor challenges, property taxes, shrinking margins, and the pressure of staying relevant in a city growing at lightning speed. Joseph offers an honest look at the realities behind running neighborhood restaurants and why consistency, community, and perseverance matter more than ever. This episode is a reminder that local restaurants don’t survive by accident. They survive because operators continue showing up every single day, long after the glamour wears off. Topics Covered: - Josef’s 34-year restaurant journey - The story behind Beyond the Edge, Boston Commons, and Drifters BBQ - How Nashville’s growth has impacted local operators - Food cost inflation and margin pressure - Staffing and labor challenges - Property taxes and operational stress - Tornado and pandemic recovery - Building neighborhood restaurants that last - Why consistency matters more than trends Follow Nashville Restaurant Radio for more conversations with the people shaping Nashville’s hospitality community. @nashville_restaurant_radio @naranashville

    1h 18m
  7. Daniel Jimenez- Owner-Above and Beyond Cakes

    Apr 28

    Daniel Jimenez- Owner-Above and Beyond Cakes

    What does it really take to survive—and actually win—as an independent food business? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Jimenez, owner of Above & Beyond Cakes, to break down the reality of building a bakery from scratch in a competitive market. This isn’t just about cakes—it’s about discipline, standards, and doing the hard things consistently when no one’s watching. We talk about what it takes to operate at a high level without the backing of a large brand, how to compete on quality and execution, and why independent operators have to think differently if they want to last. This is exactly why organizations like the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance exist—to give businesses like Daniel’s the power, resources, and leverage they need to compete and thrive. ⸻ 💡 What We Cover * Building an independent bakery from the ground up * The gap between passion and operational reality * Why consistency is the real competitive advantage * The pressure of delivering a physical product every single time * How small operators can compete without corporate backing * The mindset required to sustain and grow a family-run business ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways * Independence is powerful—but it comes with zero margin for error * Systems and standards are what separate professionals from hobbyists * If you’re not improving your operation, you’re falling behind * Community and collaboration aren’t optional—they’re strategic advantages ⸻ 👤 About the Guest Daniel Jimenez is the co-owner of Above & Beyond Cakes, a growing independent bakery built alongside his wife. Their business is rooted in craftsmanship, consistency, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products without cutting corners—values that define the next generation of independent operators. ⸻ 🎧 Listen + Follow If you believe in supporting independent restaurants and food businesses, share this episode with someone who’s in the fight every day. And if you’re an operator looking to get stronger—through better vendor relationships, smarter purchasing, and a real community—take a closer look at what we’re building with the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance.

    52 min
  8. Barrett Hobbs- CEO- Cumberland Hospitality Group

    Apr 18

    Barrett Hobbs- CEO- Cumberland Hospitality Group

    What built Broadway into a global destination—and why does some of that feel at risk today? In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, I sit down with Barrett Hobbs, a multigenerational Nashville operator and founder of Cumberland Hospitality Group, for a candid conversation about the city’s growth, the business engine behind downtown, and the growing disconnect between those driving economic development and those shaping public policy. We talk about: * How Broadway became one of the most successful entertainment districts in America * The role independent operators played in building modern Nashville * Why Barrett believes city leadership is losing touch with business realities * The tension between neighborhood priorities and downtown economic interests * Property taxes, public policy, infrastructure, and the pressures facing operators * What happens when government and business stop speaking the same language * Why civic disagreement doesn’t have to mean personal division This is not a conversation about choosing sides. It’s a conversation about perspective—how different people can want different things for Nashville and still care about the same city. Whether you agree with Barrett or not, this episode is an important look into how one longtime operator sees the challenges ahead. If you care about Nashville, independent restaurants, or the future of this city, this one is worth your time.

    2h 7m
See All (431)

4.4
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

This is a podcast made for and about the people of the Nashville Restaurant community. Our goal is to gain others perspectives and learn from their experiences. Listen for interviews with Chefs, Restauranteurs, authors, industry leaders, and much more! This is not a podcast where we talk about food, we talk about food people.

Information

  • Creator
    New Light Hospitality
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    431
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © New Light Hospitality
  • Show Website
    Nashville Restaurant Radio

You Might Also Like